Joint MPI and police patrol in Bay of Islands

Fishery officers and police will be patrolling together in the Bay of Islands over Labour Weekend checking recreational catch and water safety of those on the water.

Ministry for Primary Industries District Compliance Manager Northland Steve Rudsdale says Labour Weekend is the first opportunity for a lot of people to get the boat in the water after winter.

“We’ll be doing joint patrols with police on all three days on the MPI patrol boat and an 11 metre police rib from Auckland.

“Fishery officers’ main focus will be snapper and scallops. Seven snapper per person per day at a minimum size of 30cm.

“We’re reminding divers to count and check the size of scallops on the bottom and re-check back on the boat. Divers can take a bag limit of 20 scallops for themselves, and further bag limit for two safety people on board.

“We’ll also be checking that no one is fishing in the rahui area at Deepwater Cove.

“Police will checking vessel and diver safety measures and that all vessels are generally fit for purpose.”

Other MPI staff and honorary fishery officers will be doing land-based patrols at fishing hotspots across Northland.

Mr Rusdsdale said it is every fishers’ obligation to check the rules and stick to them.

“Check the rules before you go fishing and catch a feed, not a fine.

“If you stick to the rules, there’ll be enough fish for everyone and our fish stocks will remain sustainable and protected.”

MPI encourages people to report any suspicious fishing activity to 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224). All calls are confidential

ENDS

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